Blog 2 : Beg Steal and Borrow

Written by TAF with input from Che Diary of Events Day 2 January 15th 2010

Picking up the Pieces I’ve had various conversations with Bruce and about Bruce today, for starters I had to explain his absence to his Programme manager. This was quickly followed with an explanation to Che’s tutor group. How ironic I thought as I proceeded to assist them with their study on the subject of “preparing to deal with major incidents”. A fellow tutor and I enjoy a discussion with the group on what could possibly await their tutor when he reaches Haiti.

11.00 Che calls me to explain he is sat in doctors trying to sort out what jabs he needs. 14.00 Che calls again he explains he has had his jabs. And enquires as to how his absence has gone down at work. I explain how when he gets back and knocks off the hero dust, he well may be on the receiving end of a disciplinary. For those who know Che this will not be a surprise.

16.00 I receive a text. Hi mate any chance you can drive me in my car to Henley on Thames. I reply yes we can talk later, 20.00 Che calls explaining he is now flying out Sunday. He has had is jabs and received malaria medication from the chemist Free of Charge.

We move on through various scenarios about the situation out in Haiti. I ask about the wife and kids, he skirts round the subject, I can tell from his tone that he is uncomfortable. I’m glad that he feels that way, because now I feel Che has a full realistic understanding of the situation. We talk about further uncomfortable service stuff NOK letters and arrangements (enough said).

We move the conversation on to what he needs me to scrounge for him, plasterer Paris, para cord, ration packs not so bad I think? However before we end the conversation I realise that I have just agreed to lend him my precious jet boil stove, (“What an idiot” I am going to demand on Sunday that arrangements for a Jet Boil replacement is written in the departure letters)

21.30 Text from Che, We are short of 6 Radio’s how are you fixed

I reply, I will see what I can do tomorrow.

21.35 Che replies, good stuff I need them on a free loan, and they need to be the type with ear pieces.

You can draw your own conclusion my thoughts. Che’s wife and I can never figure which one of us carries him the most ?

TAF

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